About Emma Willard School
Honoring its founder’s vision, Emma Willard School proudly fosters in each young woman a love of learning, the habits of an intellectual life, and the character, moral strength, and qualities of leadership to serve and shape her world.
Emma Willard School, established in 1814, is a private, all-girls institution in Troy, New York, offering grades 9 through 12. The school emphasizes fostering a love of learning, intellectual habits, and leadership qualities in its students. The 137-acre campus features Gothic stone architecture and provides a blend of academic and extracurricular opportunities. ([emmawillard.org](.
Core Values
Teaching Philosophy
Emma Willard School fosters a rigorous academic environment that balances intellectual discipline with a strong emphasis on leadership and character development in young women. Through a curriculum specialized in STEM, the arts, and global awareness, the school encourages students to cultivate a lifelong love of learning and the moral strength to serve their communities. This approach is supported by a diverse range of extracurriculars and modern facilities, designed to develop well-rounded individuals ready to shape their world.
What Makes Emma Willard School Special
- Historic girls' boarding school
- Rigorous academics combined
- Beautiful Hudson Valley campus fostering
Academics
Curriculum
Emma Willard School offers AP and Other curriculums, with specializations in Leadership, STEM, and Arts.
Academic Environment
Programs & Extracurriculars
Arts Programs
9 programsSports
5 programsClubs & Activities
12 programsCampus & Facilities
Emma Willard School sits on a 137 acre-acre campus with Science centre, Arts complex, Athletic complex, Library, and Tech labs.
Photo Gallery
Tuition & Financial Aid
$49,995
per year
$80,495
per year
Admissions
Requirements
- Application form
- Report cards
- Interview
- Reference letters
- Essay
- Standardized test
- Other
Community & Culture
Emma Willard cultivates a warm, intellectually vibrant community centered on authentic self-discovery and purposeful leadership. Students describe the school as deeply welcoming, with traditions like Revels, Ring Week, and May Day creating shared rituals that connect generations. The 350-student body, drawn from 35 countries and 19 U.S. states, brings diverse perspectives to a historic 137-acre campus. Faculty are notably accessible and invested in students as whole people, not just academics. With 56 clubs and organizations and opportunities ranging from theatre to hiking, the community emphasizes that "there are 360 definitions of success here, one for every student."
Diversity & Inclusion
Emma Willard demonstrates commitment to diversity through concrete actions: the school enrolls students from 35 countries and 19 U.S. states and explicitly states it "does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national or ethnic origin." The admissions process is designed to be equitable and accessible, with test-optional policies and virtual visit options to reduce barriers. The school was the first Fair Trade high school in the country. However, a comprehensive diversity, equity, and inclusion statement addressing systemic approaches to these values is not prominently featured on the website.
Parent Involvement
Parent involvement details are not prominently featured on the website. The site emphasizes financial aid accessibility and mentions alumnae connections through an Office of Alumnae Relations, but does not describe specific parent committees, volunteer opportunities, or regular communication channels for current families.
Accreditations & Recognition
Contact Emma Willard School
Address
285 Pawling Ave, Troy, NY, United States
Phone
(518) 833-1300
info@emmawillard.org
Website
Visit School Website
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Emma Willard School
Emma Willard School serves students in grades 9-12.
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